PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Cruise Terminal, Launches Rs 34,200 Crore Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore during the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' programme on Saturday, emphasizing the significance of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

The event particularly highlighted the maritime sector, with PM Modi launching initiatives valued at more than Rs 7,870 crore, encompassing essential infrastructure enhancements across major Indian ports.

Speaking to a large audience at Jawahar Maidan in Bhavnagar, PM Modi stated, "This event is taking place in Bhavnagar, but it serves the entire nation. Today, Bhavnagar has been selected as the focal point to determine India's trajectory from 'Samudra' (ocean) to 'Samridhhi' (progress). I extend my congratulations to the people of Gujarat and Bhavnagar for this honor."

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for the birthday wishes he received, noting that "the love and blessings I have received from every part of India and around the world constitute my greatest treasure and strength."

Numerous children created paintings and sketches for the Prime Minister. Upon seeing their artwork, he thanked them for their affection and requested officials to gather the pieces.

Praising the 'Sewa Pakhwada' events, PM Modi remarked, "From Vishwakarma Jayanti to Gandhi Jayanti, spanning September 17 to October 2, millions of individuals throughout the country are participating in 'Sewa Pakhwada'. I've been informed that in Gujarat as well, a 15-day 'Sewa Pakhwada' is currently in progress. Over the past 2-3 days, numerous activities have been conducted."

"Blood donation camps were organized in various locations, with over 1 lakh people donating blood so far. This information pertains only to Gujarat. Lakhs of people also joined cleanliness campaigns organized nationwide," he continued.

"Health camps are also being conducted across the country, with particular attention to women. I thank everyone involved in these service initiatives," he added.

PM Modi also paid homage to Krishnakumar CG, saying, "By contributing to Sardar Sahab's mission, he made a significant contribution to India's unity. Inspired by such distinguished patriots, we are strengthening India's unity and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'."

Discussing the 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' programme, the Prime Minister said, "21st-century India views the ocean as an immense opportunity. A short while ago, several projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and initiated here to accelerate port development. To promote cruise tourism in the country, an International Cruise Terminal was also inaugurated today in Mumbai."

Emphasizing the importance of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', PM Modi declared, "We cannot entrust the future of 140 crore citizens to others. We cannot base our country's development on dependence upon others. We cannot jeopardize the future of coming generations... The solution to all challenges is an Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

Among the programme's highlights was the inauguration of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock and the foundation stone laying for a new container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.

Additional maritime developments included a new cargo berth and container handling facilities at Paradip Port (Odisha), Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal in Gujarat, and modernization projects at Kamarajar Port (Ennore, Tamil Nadu), Chennai Port, Car Nicobar Island, Deendayal Port (Kandla), and inland waterway facilities at Patna and Varanasi.

The Prime Minister also unveiled an extensive portfolio of projects worth Rs 26,354 crore in Gujarat alone, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, port infrastructure, roadways, healthcare, and urban transport.

Key Gujarat-based initiatives were inaugurated, including the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics and Oxo Alcohol Project at the Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, and the 475 MW PM-KUSUM solar feeder for farmers.

The Badeli 45 MW Solar PV Project and the complete solarization of Dhordo village were also inaugurated.

In healthcare and urban infrastructure sectors, foundation stones were laid for expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital in Jamnagar.

PM Modi also launched the four-laning of 70 kilometers of national highways, enhancing connectivity and trade routes in the state.

The Prime Minister will conduct an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region, envisioned as a greenfield industrial city built around sustainable industrialization, smart infrastructure, and global investment.